Hydrocarbon oil for a therapeutic use

ABSTRACT

A hydrocarbon oil intended to be used as a drug including a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hydrocarbon oil classed as biodegradable, of biological origin mostly isoparaffinic for use as a drug.

The invention also relates to a composition comprising a hydrocarbon oil classed as biodegradable, of biological origin mostly isoparaffinic and at least one quaternary ammonium for use as a drug.

TECHNICAL CONTEXT OF THE INVENTION

The dermatological or pharmaceutical markets are increasingly calling for ingredients of biological origin for the formulation of their products. Although the active ingredients, emulsifiers and biosourced vegetable oils have been highly developed in the last few years and are now widely available on the market, the biosourced active ingredients, especially hydrocarbon active ingredients of 100% biological origin, are still rare.

Until now oils with an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effect or that make it possible to curb cell ageing are oxygenated oils, natural or synthetic, such as triglycerides, esters, alcohols. There are for example many vegetable oils, such as olive oil, Mango oil, sea buckthorn oil or cocoa oil.

However, all these oils have a substantial sensitivity to oxidation, they are not sufficiently stable, which results in changes in odour and in characteristics. The instability of these vegetable oils comes in particular from the presence, in a substantial quantity, of molecules comprising heteroatoms and/or unsaturations.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 5,882,663 discloses a composition comprising C12 to C18 isoparaffins for relieving pain. This document does not disclose the hydrocarbon oil as defined in the present invention.

There therefore subsists the need to have new active ingredients of biological origin that are effective and that have satisfactory physical-chemical and sensory characteristics in particular in terms of stability, volatility, spreading on the skin, odour, soft feel and shine, rendering it highly compatible with a use in formulation.

The applicant surprisingly found that this need can be satisfied through the use of a hydrocarbon oil of biological origin mostly comprising isoparaffins.

The present invention has for objective to provide a drug active ingredient that can be used as an antioxidant agent and/or free radical blocking agent and/or anti-inflammatory agent and/or anti-apoptotic and/or antibacterial and/or antifungal agent.

The present invention has for objective to provide a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of skin diseases, in particular for reducing inflammation and/or in the treatment of wound healing disorders.

The present invention also has for objective to provide a composition that has an improved anti-apoptotic effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These objectives are achieved thanks to a new active ingredient of the hydrocarbon type for the treatment of the human and/or animal body.

The invention relates to a hydrocarbon oil intended to be used as a drug, said hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

Preferably, the hydrocarbon oil is intended to be used as an antioxidant and/or anti-radical agent and/or anti-inflammatory agent and/or anti-apoptotic and/or antibacterial and/or antifungal agent.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil is intended to be used in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, corns and warts, acne, seborrheic disorders, herpes, mycoses, eczema, shingles and/or wound healing disorders.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil is intended to be used for a topical application.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil is intended to be used for systemic administration.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 95% to 100% and preferentially from 98% to 100% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil is chosen from among non-cyclic isoparaffins comprising from 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil comprises:

-   -   a content by weight of normal paraffins less than or equal to 5%         and preferentially less than or equal to 2% relative to the         total weight of the hydrocarbon oil; and/or     -   a content by weight of naphthenic compounds less than or equal         to 1%, preferably less than or equal to 0.5% and preferentially         less than or equal to 100 ppm relative to the total weight of         the hydrocarbon oil; and/or     -   a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to         500 ppm, preferably less than or equal to 300 ppm,         preferentially less than or equal to 100 ppm, more         preferentially less than or equal to 50 ppm and advantageously         less than or equal to 20 ppm relative to the total weight of the         hydrocarbon oil.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil has:

-   -   a boiling temperature ranging from 230 to 340° C., preferably         from 235 to 330° C. and more preferentially from 240 to 325° C.         according to the standard ASTM D86; and/or     -   a flash point greater than or equal to 110° C. according to the         standard EN ISO 2719; and/or     -   a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil is obtained by a method of catalytic hydrogenation at a temperature from 80 to 180° C. and at a pressure from 50 to 160 bars of a deoxygenated and/or isomerised feedstock of biological origin.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil has the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one hydrocarbon oil as defined in the invention, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 80%, preferentially from 1 to 50% and advantageously from 5 to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.

According to an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition comprises:

-   -   at least one fatty substance chosen from among: vegetable oils,         hydrocarbon oils other than the hydrocarbon oil defined in         claims 1 to 10, vegetable butters, fatty alcohols and ethers,         oily esters, alkanes and silicone oils and/or     -   at least one additive.

According to an embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is an anhydrous composition, an emulsion such as a water-in-oil emulsion (W/O), an oil-in-water emulsion (O/W) or a multiple emulsion (in particular W/O/W or O/W/O), a nano-emulsion, or a dispersion or a gel.

According to another embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil has the form of a medical food comprising at least one hydrocarbon oil as defined in the invention, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 80%, preferentially from 1 to 50% and advantageously from 5 to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the medical food.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil intended to be used according to the invention is in combination with a compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums, aromatic alcohols and isothiazolinones.

Preferably, the compound is chosen from among quaternary ammoniums, said quaternary ammoniums being more preferably chosen from among benzalkonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium chloride, alone or in a mixture.

According to an embodiment, the compound represents from 0.1 ppm to 40% by weight, preferably from 0.5 ppm to 30% by weight, preferentially from 1 ppm to 20% by weight, further more preferentially from 3 ppm to 10% by weight, ideally from 5 ppm to 1% by weight of the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil and compound combinations or of the pharmaceutical composition or of the medical food.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hydrocarbon oil intended to be used as a drug, preferably as an active ingredient, said hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and a content in carbon of biological origin greater than 95% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

Thus, the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention can be used for the treatment, in particular therapeutic treatment, of the human and/or animal body.

The hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention can in particular be used as an antioxidant agent, free radical blocking agent and/or anti-inflammatory agent and/or anti-apoptotic agent.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention makes it possible to have a pharmaceutical composition that is classed as non-irritating, biodegradable and non-odorous.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention makes it possible in particular to obtain stable pharmaceutical compositions, in particular thanks to the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention which comprises low proportions, even which is substantially or entirely free, of unsaturated compounds and/or of compounds that comprise heteroatoms.

On a preliminary basis it shall be noted that, in the description and the following claims, the expression “between” must be understood as including the limits mentioned.

Hydrocarbon Oil:

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention preferably comprises a content by weight of isoparaffinic compounds greater than or equal to 90%, preferentially greater than or equal to 95% and advantageously greater than or equal to 98% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

According to an embodiment, the isoparaffinic compounds present in the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention comprise from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably from 13 to 19 carbon atoms, more preferably from 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention preferably comprises a content by weight of normal paraffins less than or equal to 10%, preferentially less than or equal to 5% and advantageously less than or equal to 2%.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention advantageously comprises a majority of isoparaffins and a minority of normal paraffins. These isoparaffins are advantageously non-cyclic isoparaffins. Preferably, the hydrocarbon oil has an isoparaffin to normal paraffin mass ratio of at least 12:1, preferentially of 15:1, and more preferentially of 20:1. Even more advantageously the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention does not contain any normal paraffins.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention preferably comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100% and a content in normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10%, preferentially from 95% to 100% of isoparaffins and from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and more preferentially from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins and from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention preferably comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90% to 100% and a content in normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10%, preferentially from 95% to 100% of isoparaffins chosen from among the alkanes comprising from 12 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably from 14 to 18 carbon atoms, more preferably from 14 to 17 carbon atoms.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention comprises:

-   -   isoparaffins having 15 carbon atoms and isoparaffins having 16         carbon atoms in a combined quantity ranging from 80 to 98% by         weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil, or     -   isoparaffins having 16 carbon atoms, isoparaffins having 17         carbon atoms and isoparaffins having 18 carbon atoms in a         combined quantity ranging from 80 to 98% by weight, relative to         the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil, or     -   isoparaffins having 17 carbon atoms and isoparaffins having 18         carbon atoms in a combined quantity ranging from 80 to 98% by         weight, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention preferably comprises a content by weight of naphthenic compounds less than or equal to 1%, preferentially less than or equal to 0.5% and more preferentially less than or equal to 100 ppm.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 1%. Preferentially the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight ranging from 95% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 0.5%. More preferentially it comprises a content by weight ranging from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins and a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 100 ppm.

The hydrocarbon oil implemented according to the invention is advantageously free from aromatic compounds. For example, a content by weight of aromatic compounds is understood less than or equal to 500 ppm, preferably less than or equal to 300 ppm, preferentially less than or equal to 100 ppm, more preferentially less than or equal to 50 ppm and advantageously less than or equal to 20 ppm measured for example by UV spectrometry.

The content by weight of isoparaffins, n-paraffins, naphthens and/or aromatics of the hydrocarbon oil can be determined according to methods well known to those skilled in the art. Mention can be made by way of a non-limiting example, a method by gas chromatography.

According to another preferred embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10%, a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 1% and a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 500 ppm. Preferentially the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight ranging from 95% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins, a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 0.5% and a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 300 ppm, preferably less than 100 ppm, preferentially less than 50 ppm, more preferentially less than 20 ppm. Also preferentially the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight ranging from 95% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 5% of normal paraffins and a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 100 ppm. More preferentially it comprises a content by weight ranging from 98% to 100% of isoparaffins, from 0 to 2% of normal paraffins, a content by weight of naphthens less than or equal to 100 ppm and a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 100 ppm.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content of carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 95%, preferably greater than or equal to 98% and preferentially of 100%.

The hydrocarbon oil implemented according to the invention also preferably has an extremely low content by weight of sulphur compounds, typically less than or equal to 5 ppm, preferentially less than or equal to 3 ppm and more preferentially less than or equal to 0.5 ppm at a level that is too low to be detected using conventional low-content sulphur analysers.

The hydrocarbon oil implemented according to the invention also has more preferably a flash point greater than or equal to 110° C., preferentially greater than or equal to 120° C. and more preferentially greater than or equal to 140° C. according to the standard EN ISO 2719. A high flash point, typically greater than 110° C. making it possible among other things to overcome on the one hand the problems of safety during the storage and transport by avoiding a flammability that is too sensitive of the hydrocarbon oil.

The hydrocarbon oil also has more preferably a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil implemented according to the invention also preferably has a flash point greater than or equal to 110° C. according to the standard EN ISO 2719 and a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa. Preferentially the hydrocarbon oil has a flash point greater than or equal to 120° C. and a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa. And more preferentially, it has a flash point greater than or equal to 130° C. and a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.

The hydrocarbon oil implemented according to the invention has boiling temperatures, a flash point and a vapour pressure that make it possible to overcome the problems of flammability, odour and volatility.

The hydrocarbon oil according to the invention furthermore has a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. less than or equal to 5 cSt, preferentially less than or equal to 4 cSt and more preferentially less than or equal to 3 cSt according to the standard EN ISO 3104.

Method for Obtaining:

Such compositions of hydrocarbon oils can be obtained in the following way. The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention is a hydrocarbon fraction which comes from the conversion of biomass.

The term, coming from the conversion of biomass, means a hydrocarbon fraction produced from raw materials of biological origin.

Preferably, the hydrocarbon fraction of biological origin is obtained by a method comprising steps of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and of isomerisation (ISO). The step of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) leads to the decomposition of the structures of the biological esters or of the triglyceride constituents, to the elimination of the oxygenated, phosphorus and sulphur compounds and to the hydrogenation of the olefinic bonds. The product coming from the hydrodeoxygenation reaction is then isomerised. A step of fractionation can preferably follow the steps of hydrodeoxygenation and of isomerisation. Advantageously, the fractions of interest are then subjected to steps of hydrotreatment then of distillation in order to obtain the specifications of the hydrocarbon oil desired according to the invention.

This HDO/ISO method is implemented on a raw biological feedstock, also called biomass or raw material of biological origin, selected from the group consisting of vegetable oils, animal fats, fish oils and mixtures thereof. The suitable raw materials of biological origin are for example rapeseed oil, canola oil, tallol or tall oil, sunflower oil, soybean oil, hempseed oil, olive oil, linseed oil, mustard oil, palm oil, groundnut oil, castor oil, coconut oil, animal fats such as tallow, recycled dietary fats, genetically engineered raw materials, and biological raw materials produced from microorganisms such as algae and bacteria. Condensation products, esters or other derivatives obtained from raw biological materials can also be used as raw materials.

Preferably, the raw material of biological origin is an ester or a triglyceride derivative. This material is firstly subjected to a step of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) in order to decompose the structure of the component esters or triglycerides and eliminate the oxygenated, phosphorous and sulphur compounds concurrently to the hydrogenation of the olefinic bonds. This step of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of the raw material of biological origin is followed by an isomerisation of the product thus obtained leading to the branching of the hydrocarbon chain and by an improvement in the properties of the paraffin at low temperatures.

During the HDO step, the hydrogen and the raw material of biological origin are passed over a catalytic hydrodeoxygenation bed simultaneously, in the same direction or counter-current. During the HDO step, the pressure and the temperature are between 20 and 150 bars and between 200 and 500° C. respectively. Conventional and known hydrodeoxygenation catalysts are used during this step. Optionally, the raw material of biological origin can be subjected to a pre-hydrogenation under mild conditions in order to prevent the secondary reactions of double bonds before the HDO step. After the step of hydrodeoxygenation, the product coming from the reaction is subjected to a step of isomerisation (ISO) where the hydrogen and the product, and optionally a mixture of n-paraffins, are passed over catalytic hydrodeoxygenation beds simultaneously, in the same direction or counter-current. During the ISO step, the pressure and the temperature are between 20 and 150 bars and between 200 and 500° C. respectively. Conventional and known isomerisation catalysts are used during this step.

Additional secondary methods can also be implemented (such as intermediate mixtures, trappings or other methods of the sort).

The product coming from the HDO/ISO steps can optionally be fractionated in order to obtain the fractions of interest.

Various HDO/ISO methods are described in literature. Application WO2014/033762 describes a method that comprises a step of pre-hydrogenation, a step of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and a step of isomerisation carried out counter-current. Patent application EP1728844 describes a method of producing hydrocarbon compounds from a mixture of compounds of plant and animal origin. This method comprises a step of pretreating the mixture that makes it possible to remove the contaminants, such as for example alkali metal salts, followed by a step of hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) and by a step of isomerisation. Patent application EP2084245 describes a method for producing a hydrocarbon mixture that can be used as diesel or in a composition of diesel by hydrodeoxygenation of a mixture of biological origin that contains fatty acid esters optionally in a mixture with free fatty acids, for example vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, canola oil, palm oil or pine oil, followed by a hydroisomerisation on specific catalysts. Patent application EP2368967 describes such a method and the product obtained by this method. Application WO2016/185046 describes a method for obtaining a hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is obtained by a method of catalytic hydrogenation at a temperature from 80 to 180° C. and at a pressure from 50 to 160 bars of a deoxygenated and isomerised feedstock of biological origin.

Advantageously, the raw material of biological origin contains less than 15 ppm by weight of sulphur, preferably less than 8 ppm, preferentially less than 5 ppm and more preferentially less than 1 ppm according to the standard EN ISO 20846. Ideally, the feedstock does not contain any sulphur as a raw material of biosourced origin.

Before the step of hydrotreatment, a step of pre-fractionating can take place. A narrower fraction at the input of the hydrogenation unit makes it possible to obtain a narrow fraction at the output of the unit. Indeed, the boiling points of pre-fractionated fractions are between 220 and 330° C. while the fractions that were not pre-fractionated typically have boiling points between 150 and 360° C.

The deoxygenated and isomerised feedstock coming from the HDO/ISO method is then hydrogenated. The hydrogen used in the hydrogenation unit is typically highly purified hydrogen. The term highly purified means hydrogen of a purity for example greater than 99%, although other grades can also be used.

The step of hydrogenation is carried out thanks to catalysts. The typical hydrogenation catalysts can be either by mass or supported and can include the following metals: nickel, platinum, palladium, rhenium, rhodium, nickel tungstate, nickel-molybdenum, molybdenum, cobalt-molybdenum. The supports can be silica, alumina, silica-alumina or zeolites.

A preferred catalyst is a catalyst with a nickel base on an alumina support of which the specific surface area varies between 100 and 200 m²/g of catalysts or a mass catalyst based on nickel. The hydrogenation conditions are typically as follows:

-   -   Pressure: 50 to 160 bars, preferably 80 to 150 bars and more         preferentially 90 to 120 bars;     -   Temperature: 80 to 180° C., preferably 120 to 160° C. and more         preferentially 150 to 160° C.;     -   Liquid Hourly Space velocity (LHSV): 0.2 to 5 hr⁻¹, preferably         0.4 to 3 hr⁻¹ and more preferentially 0.5 to 0.8 hr⁻¹;     -   Treatment rate with hydrogen: adapted to the conditions         mentioned hereinabove and able to range up to 200 Nm³/tonne of         feedstock to be treated.

The temperature in the reactors is typically between 150 and 160° C. with a pressure of about 100 bars while the hourly space velocity is about 0.6 hr⁻¹ with a treatment rate adapted according to the quality of the feedstock to be treated and the parameters of the first hydrogenation reactor.

The hydrogenation can take place in one or several reactors in series. The reactors can include one or several catalytic beds. The catalytic beds are generally stationary catalytic beds.

The method of hydrogenation preferably comprises two or three reactors, preferably three reactors and is more preferentially carried out in three reactors in series.

The first reactor allows for the trapping of the sulphur compounds and the hydrogenation of substantially all the unsaturated compounds and up to about 90% of the aromatic compounds. The product coming from the first reactor contains substantially no sulphur compound. At the second stage i.e. in the second reactor, the hydrogenation of the aromatics continues and up to 99% of the aromatics are therefore hydrogenated.

The third stage in the third reactor is a finishing stage that makes it possible to obtain contents in aromatics less than or equal to 500 ppm, preferably less than or equal to 300 ppm, preferentially less than or equal to 100 ppm, more preferentially less than or equal to 50 ppm, and ideally less than or equal to 20 ppm even in the case of products with a high boiling point for example greater than 300° C.

It is possible to use a reactor that has two or three or more catalytic beds. The catalysts can be present in variable or essentially equal quantities in each reactor; for three reactors, the quantities according to the weight can for example be of 0.05-0.5/0.10-0.70/0.25-0.85, preferably 0.07-0.25/0.15-0.35/0.4-0.78 and more preferentially from 0.10-0.20/0.20-0.32/0.48-0.70.

It is also possible to use one or two hydrogenation reactors instead of three.

It is also possible that the first reactor be comprised of twin reactors implemented alternatively. This method of operability allows in particular a facilitated loading and unloading of the catalysts: when the first reactor comprises the catalyst saturated first (substantially all the sulphur is trapped on and/or in the catalyst) it has to be changed often.

A single reactor can also be used in which two, three or more catalytic beds are installed.

It may be necessary to insert quench boxes into the recycling system or between the reactors in order to cool the effluents from one reactor to another or from one catalytic bed to another in order to control the temperatures and the hydrothermal balance of each reaction. According to a preferred embodiment, there are no cooling or quenching intermediaries.

According to an embodiment, the product coming from the method and/or the separated gases are at least partially recycled in the feeding system of the hydrogenation reactors. This dilution contributes in maintaining the exothermicity of the reaction in controlled limits, in particular in the first stage. The recycling furthermore allows for a heat exchange before the reaction and also a better control of the temperature.

The effluent of the hydrogenation unit mainly contains the hydrogenated product and hydrogen. Flash separators are used to separate the effluents into the gaseous phase, mainly residual hydrogen, and into the liquid phase, mainly the hydrogenated hydrocarbon fractions. The method can be carried out by using three flash separators, at a high pressure, one at an intermediate pressure and one at a low pressure very close to the atmospheric pressure.

The gaseous hydrogen which is collected at the top of the flash separators can be recycled in the feeding system of the hydrogenation unit or at different levels in the hydrogenation units between the reactors.

According to an embodiment, the final product is separated at atmospheric pressure. It then directly feeds a vacuum fractionation unit. Preferably, the fractionating will take place at a pressure between 10 and 50 mbars and more preferentially at about 30 mbars.

The fractionating can be carried out in such a way that it is possible to simultaneously remove various hydrocarbon fluids from the fractionating column and in that their boiling temperature can be predetermined.

By adapting the feedstock through its initial and final boiling points, the hydrogenation reactors, the separators and the fractionation unit can therefore be connected directly without it being necessary to use intermediate tanks. This integration of the hydrogenation and of the fractionating allows for an optimised thermal integration combined with a reduction in the number of devices and energy savings.

The hydrocarbon oil implemented in the invention is advantageously a hydrocarbon fraction that more preferably has a distillation range DR (in ° C.) ranging from 230° C. to 340° C., preferably from 235° C. to 330° C. and more preferentially from 240° C. to 325° C., even more preferentially from 240° C. to 290° C. or from 240° C. to 270° C. measured according to the standard ASTM D86. Preferably, the difference between the initial boiling point and the final boiling point is less than or equal to 80° C., preferentially less than or equal to 70° C., more preferentially less than or equal to 60° C. and advantageously between 40 and 50° C. The hydrocarbon oil can include one or several fractions of distillation ranges within the ranges described hereinabove.

Advantageously, the hydrocarbon oil implemented in the invention is totally saturated. Preferably, the components of the hydrocarbon oil are chosen from among the isoparaffins that comprise 12 to 30 carbon atoms, preferentially 13 to 19 carbon atoms and more preferentially 14 to 18 carbon atoms.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention advantageously comprises a content of isohexadecane less than or equal to 50%.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention ideally comes from the treatment of raw materials of biological origin. The term “bio-carbon” indicates that the carbon is of natural origin and comes from a biomaterial, as indicated hereinafter. The content in bio-carbon and the content in biomaterial are expressions that indicate the same value. A material of renewable origin or biomaterial is an organic material wherein the carbon comes from the CO₂ fixed recently (on a human scale) by photosynthesis from the atmosphere. A biomaterial (Carbon of 100% natural origin) has an isotopic ratio ¹⁴C/¹²C greater than 10⁻¹², typically about 1.2×10⁻¹², while a fossil material has a zero ratio. Indeed, the isotopic ¹⁴C is formed in the atmosphere and is then integrated via photosynthesis, according to a time scale of a few tens of years at most. The half-life of the ¹⁴C is 5,730 years. Thus, the materials coming from photosynthesis, namely plants in general, necessarily have a maximum content in isotope ¹⁴C.

The determination of the content of biomaterial or of bio-carbon is given in accordance with the standards ASTM D 6866-12, the method B (ASTM D 6866-06) and ASTM D 7026 (ASTM D 7026-04). The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention has a content of biomaterial of at least 90%. This content is advantageously higher, in particular greater than or equal to 95%, preferably greater than or equal to 98% and advantageously equal to 100%.

In addition to a particularly high content of biomaterial, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention has a particularly good biodegradability. The biodegradation of an organic chemical product refers to the reduction in the complexity of the chemical compounds thanks to the metabolic activity of microorganisms. In aerobic conditions, the microorganisms transform the organic substances into carbon dioxide, water and biomass. The method OECD 306, is used for the evaluation of the biodegradability of individual substances in sea water. According to this method, the hydrocarbon oil has a biodegradability at 28 days of at least 60%, preferably of at least 70%, more preferably of at least 75%, and advantageously of at least 80%.

Use of the Hydrocarbon Oil

The inventors have discovered that the hydrocarbon oil as defined hereinabove can be used as an antioxidant agent and/or anti-radical agent. Indeed, surprisingly, it was discovered that the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention made it possible to block the free radicals.

Furthermore, the hydrocarbon oil can be used as an active ingredient of a drug for treatment of the human or animal body.

The hydrocarbon oil has in particular an antioxidant, anti-radical, anti-inflammatory, cellular anti-degeneration or anti-apoptotic, antibacterial, and/or antifungal action.

The hydrocarbon oil makes it possible in particular to reduce the activation of the P2X7 receptor.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention also makes it possible to block the apoptotic effect of a molecule, such as benzalkonium chloride.

The hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention could thus advantageously be used in the treatment of diseases of the skin and/or of the scalp and/or wound healing disorders.

According to an embodiment, the diseases of the skin and/or of the scalp are chosen from among psoriasis, corns and warts, acne, seborrheic disorders, herpes, mycoses, eczema, shingles.

The hydrocarbon oil used as a drug according to the invention can be administered orally, enterally or parenterally or locally as a topical application on the skin, scalp, hair and mucous membranes or via injection for example subcutaneously.

The hydrocarbon oil can be used alone or in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising hydrocarbon oil, preferably in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 80%, preferentially from 1 to 50% and advantageously from 5 to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The hydrocarbon oil can be applied topically, for example on the skin of the face or of the body, on the scalp or the hair. More particularly, the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention can be applied on a wound or an inflammation of the skin or of the scalp in order to accelerate and/or improve healing.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention has a very good miscibility with the other fatty substances conventionally used in the pharmaceutical fields. In particular, the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention can furthermore include at least one fatty substance chosen from among: vegetable oils, hydrocarbon oils (other than the hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention and defined hereinabove), vegetable butters, fatty alcohols and ethers, oily esters and alkanes and silicone oils and/or at least one additive.

The hydrocarbon oils are generally fatty substances coming from petrochemical methods. By way of example, mention can be made of mineral oils, isoparaffins, waxes, paraffins, polyisobutenes or polydecenes.

Examples of vegetable oils are in particular wheat germ, sunflower, grape seed, sesame, corn, apricot, castor, shea, avocado, olive, soybean oil, sweet almond, palm, rapeseed, cotton, hazelnut, macadamia, jojoba, alfalfa, poppy, squash, sesame, pumpkin, rapeseed, blackcurrant, evening primrose, millet, barley, quinoa, rye, safflower seed, candlenut, passion flower, rose hip or camellia oils.

Vegetable butters are fatty bodies that have the same properties as vegetable oils. The difference between the two consists in the fact that butters are in solid form at ambient temperature. Also, contrary to vegetable oils, the raw material from which a butter is extracted (pulp, seeds or almonds) is heated after having been ground for the extraction of the fat. As vegetable oils, butters can be refined in order to provide better preservation, neutralise odours, improve the colour and the consistency. Rich in antioxidants and nourishing vegetable butters have cosmetic properties that improve the elasticity of the skin, protect from external aggressions by leaving a protective film on the epidermis and thus reducing dehydration, repair and soothe by regenerating the natural hydrolipidic film of the skin. Examples of vegetable butters are in particular shea butter, cocoa butter, mango butter, shorea butter or olive butter.

Fatty alcohols and ethers are fatty waxy long-chain substances with remarkable properties in particular film-forming, emollient, moisturising, softening and protective properties. They act as moisturising oils and as emulsifiers. Examples of fatty alcohols or ethers are: cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, myristyl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, behenyl alcohol, cetearyl alcohol, dicaprylyl ethers, stearyl ethers or octyldodecanol (identified by their INCI name).

Oily esters or esterified oils are the product of a reaction between fatty acids (longer chain acids, such as for example stearic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid) and alcohols (fatty alcohols or polyols such as glycerol). These oils can contain substances coming from petrochemicals, as is the case for Isopropyl Palmitate. Examples of oily esters are caprylic capric triglyceride, coco caprylate caprate, oleyl erucate, oleyl linoleate, decyl oleate or PPG-3 benzyl ether myristate (identified by their INCI name).

The term silicone oils or polysiloxanes means an oil comprising at least one silicon atom, and in particular at least one Si—O group. As silicone oil, mention can be made in particular of phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, dimethicones or cyclopentasiloxane (identified by their INCI name).

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention can also be mixed with any adjuvant or additive normally used in the pharmaceutical fields. Of course, those skilled in the art will make sure to choose the optional additive or additives of the composition in a way such that the advantageous properties attached are not or are not substantially, altered by the considered addition. Among the conventional additives able to be contained (according to the water-soluble or liposoluble nature of these adjuvants), mention can be made in particular of anionic foaming surfactants (such as sodium lauryl ether sulphate, sodium alkyl phosphate, sodium trideceth sulphate), amphoteric surfactants (such as alkyl betaine, disodium cocoamphodiacetate) or non-ionic surfactants with an HLB greater than 10 (such as POE/PPG/POE, Alkylpolyglucoside, polyglyceryl-3hydroxylauryl ether); preservatives; sequestering agents (EDTA); antioxidants; perfumes; dyestuffs such as soluble dyes, pigments and nacres; mattifying, tensor, whitening or exfoliating fillers; sunscreen filters; cosmetic or dermatological active ingredients and agents that have for effect to improve the cosmetic properties of the skin, hydrophilic or lipophilic; electrolytes; hydrophilic or lipophilic, anionic, non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric, thickener, gelling or dispersing polymers. The quantities of these various adjuvants are those conventionally used in the field considered, and for example from 0.01 to 20% of the total weight of the composition. As active ingredients that can be used with the hydrocarbon oil, mention can be made for example of water-soluble or liposoluble vitamins such as vitamin A (retinol), vitamin E (tocopherol), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin B5 (panthenol), vitamin B3 (niacinamide), the derivatives of these vitamins (in particular esters) and mixtures thereof; glutathione; antiseptics; antibacterial active ingredients such as 2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxy diphenyl ether (or triclosan), 3,4,4′-trichlorocarbanilide (or triclocarban); anti-seborrheics; antimicrobials such as benzoyl peroxide, niacin (vit. PP); slimming agents such as caffeine; optical brighteners, and any active ingredient for the final purpose of the composition, and mixtures thereof.

The pharmaceutical composition can thus include the hydrocarbon oil described hereinabove as a drug active ingredient, at least one fatty substance chosen from among: vegetable oils, vegetable butters, fatty alcohols and ethers, oily esters, alkanes and silicone oils and at least one additive chosen from among the aforementioned additives.

This pharmaceutical composition comprises a physiologically acceptable medium, i.e. which does not have any deleterious secondary effects and in particular which does not produce any unacceptable redness, flare-ups, tightness or stinging for a user. This medium optionally comprises water and/or at least one oil as a fatty substance, in addition to the aforementioned hydrocarbon oil.

According to an embodiment the pharmaceutical composition has a content of hydrocarbon oil as described hereinabove ranging from 0.5 to 80%, preferably from 1 to 50% and advantageously from 5 to 30% by weight relative to the total weight of the composition.

The pharmaceutical composition used according to the invention can thus be an anhydrous composition, an emulsion such as a water-in-oil emulsion (W/0), an oil-in-water emulsion (0/W) or a multiple emulsion (in particular W/O/W or O/W/O), a nano-emulsion, or a dispersion. The pharmaceutical composition used according to the invention can have the form of a more or less flexible creme or of a vaporizable emulsion. According to an embodiment of the invention, the pharmaceutical composition has the form of a water-in-oil emulsion (W/O) or a multiple emulsion (in particular W/O/W or O/W/O) or a dispersion.

Preferably, the invention does not relate to an emulsion for topical use of the oil-in-water (E) type comprising for 100% of its mass:

-   -   From 50% to 90% by weight, of a cosmetically acceptable aqueous         phase (A),     -   From 10% to 50% by weight, of a fatty phase (F) comprising for         100% of its mass:     -   From 10% to 50% by weight, more particularly from 15% to 40% by         weight of a mixture (M1) of linear or branched, cyclic or         acyclic saturated hydrocarbons among which at least 95% by         weight comprises from fifteen to nineteen carbon atoms;     -   From 0.5% to 15% by weight, of at least one surfactant of the         oil-in-water type,     -   From 5% to 30% by weight, of at least one protective agent         against the ultraviolet radiation from the sun,     -   From 0% to 80% by weight, of at least one oil and/or one wax,         with the understanding that such an oil and/or such a wax does         not satisfy the definition of the mixture (M1),

for the use thereof in a therapeutic treatment method intended to prevent and/or treat human skin diseases linked to an exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, more particularly burns, sunburn, rashes, skin cancers.

More preferably also, the invention does not relate to an emulsion for topical use of the oil-in-water (E) type comprising for 100% of its mass:

-   -   from 40% to 90%, by weight of a cosmetically acceptable aqueous         phase (A) that comprises for 100% of its mass from 1% by weight         to 30% by weight of glycerol, and     -   from 10% to 60% by weight of a fatty phase (F) comprising for         100% of its mass from 1% to 25% by weight of a mixture (M1) of         linear or branches, cyclic or acyclic saturated hydrocarbons         among which at least 95% by weight comprises from fifteen to         nineteen carbon atoms and from 0.5% to 15% of at least one         surfactant of the oil-in-water type, as a care product for human         skin.

The hydrocarbon oil or the pharmaceutical composition can also have the form of tablets, coated tablets, film-coated tablets, granules, capsules, soft capsules, solutions, syrups, emulsion, suspension or aerosol mixture, preferably in the form of capsules and soft capsules. Thus, the hydrocarbon oil can be administered by the systemic route, preferably orally. The hydrocarbon oil can thus be intended to be used as an active ingredient in a medical food. Those skilled in the art will know how to formulate such a medical food according to their general knowledge. For example, for the production of tablets, optionally coated and of hard gelatine capsules, lactose, corn starch or the derivatives thereof, talc, stearic acid or the salts thereof can be used, and for the production of soft gelatine capsules, fats, waxes, semi-solid or liquid polyols can be used as a support.

The hydrocarbon oil or the pharmaceutical composition that contains it defined in the present invention is advantageously characterised by the fact that it has a stability of a duration greater than or equal to 4 weeks, advantageously greater than or equal to 6 weeks, with the stability being evaluated after storage without stirring at ambient temperature, at 40° C. and at 50° C. and corresponding to a visual evaluation of the coloration and of the aspect as well as an olfactory evaluation and/or a measurement of the viscosity.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the hydrocarbon oil is the only active ingredient of the drug, whether within a topical pharmaceutical composition or a medical food. Of course, in such a case, the pharmaceutical composition or food will generally comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable support.

The hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention therefore has an antioxidant and/or anti-radical and/or anti-apoptotic and/or anti-inflammatory and/or antibacterial and/or antifungal effect. The hydrocarbon oil thus makes it possible to improve and/or accelerate healing.

The hydrocarbon oil used according to the invention can also be in combination with a compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums, aromatic alcohols and isothiazolinones.

Preferably, the compound is chosen from among quaternary ammoniums and isothiazolinones, preferably from among quaternary ammoniums.

Among the quaternary ammoniums, mention can be made for example of benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, . . . , preferably, the quaternary ammonium is benzalkonium chloride.

Among the aromatic alcohols mention can be made for example of phenoxyethanol.

Among the isothiazolinones, mention can be made for example of methylisothiazolinone.

Preferably, the compound represents from 0.1 ppm to 40% by weight, preferably from 0.5 ppm to 30% by weight, preferentially from 1 ppm to 20% by weight, further more preferentially from 3 ppm to 10% by weight, ideally from 5 ppm to 1% by weight of the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil and compound combination or of the pharmaceutical composition comprising said hydrocarbon oil and compound combination or of the medical food comprising said hydrocarbon oil and compound combination.

Preferably, the compound is a quaternary ammonium and represents from 0.1 ppm to 40% by weight, preferably from 0.5 ppm to 30% by weight, preferentially from 1 ppm to 20% by weight, further more preferentially from 3 ppm to 10% by weight, ideally from 5 ppm to 1% by weight of the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil and quaternary ammonium combination or of the pharmaceutical composition comprising said hydrocarbon oil and quaternary ammonium combination or of the medical food comprising said hydrocarbon oil and quaternary ammonium combination.

The invention also describes a composition comprising the combination of the hydrocarbon oil defined hereinabove and of a compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums and isothiazolinones. Such a composition can include:

-   -   at least 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the         composition, of a hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight         of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of         normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of         carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90%         relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil; and     -   at least one compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums and         isothiazolinones.

The invention also describes a composition comprising the combination of the hydrocarbon oil defined hereinabove and of a quaternary ammonium as defined hereinabove. Such a composition can include:

-   -   at least 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the         composition, of a hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight         of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of         normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of         carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90%         relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil; and     -   at least one compound of the quaternary ammonium type.

Compounds of the quaternary ammonium or isothiazolinone type are generally used as a preservative in the cosmetic, dermatological or pharmaceutical compositions.

According to an embodiment, the compound, in particular, the quaternary ammonium implemented in the composition represents from 0.1 ppm to 40% by weight, preferably from 0.5 ppm to 30% by weight, preferentially from 1 ppm to 20% by weight, further more preferentially from 3 ppm to 10% by weight, ideally from 5 ppm to 1% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the hydrocarbon oil implemented in the composition represents at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, preferentially at least 80% by weight, even more preferentially at least 90% by weight, ideally at least 99% by weight, of the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the composition comprises a major quantity of hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention and a minor quantity of the compound, in particular of quaternary ammonium.

The term “major quantity” means a quantity of at least 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

The term “minor quantity” means a quantity strictly less than 50% by weight, relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the composition comprises at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, preferentially at least 80% by weight, even more preferentially at least 90% by weight, ideally at least 99% by weight of hydrocarbon oil and less than 40% by weight, preferably less than 30% by weight, preferentially less than 20% by weight, even more preferentially less than 10% by weight, ideally less than 1% by weight of the compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums and isothiazolinones, preferably chosen from among benzalkonium chloride (BAC) and methylisothiazolinone, with the percentages being expressed relative to the total weight of the composition.

According to an embodiment, the composition comprises at least 60% by weight, preferably at least 70% by weight, preferentially at least 80% by weight, even more preferentially at least 90% by weight, ideally at least 99% by weight of hydrocarbon oil and less than 40% by weight, preferably less than 30% by weight, preferentially less than 20% by weight, even more preferentially less than 10% by weight, ideally less than 1% by weight of quaternary ammonium, said quaternary ammonium being more preferably benzalkonium chloride (BAC), with the percentages being expressed relative to the total weight of the composition.

Method of Therapeutic Treatment:

The invention also describes a method of therapeutic treatment, said method comprising a step of administration of the hydrocarbon oil as defined hereinabove as a drug.

The hydrocarbon oil can be applied through a pharmaceutical composition as defined hereinabove or through a medical food as defined hereinabove.

The hydrocarbon oil can be administered topically on the skin, scalp, hair or mucous membranes, or orally. In the case of an application by the topical route, the hydrocarbon oil can for example be applied on a wound or an inflammation.

The therapeutic treatment makes it possible in particular to reduce an inflammation, such as a skin inflammation or to improve and/or accelerate healing.

The method can thus be characterised by an antioxidant and/or anti-radical and/or anti-apoptotic and/or anti-inflammatory and/or antibacterial and/or antifungal effect.

EXAMPLES

In the rest of the present description, examples are given for the purposes of information of the present invention and do not aim in any case to limit the scope thereof.

Hydrocarbon Oils Tested:

Table 1 groups together the physical-chemical properties of the various hydrocarbon oils evaluated. The oils A and B are hydrocarbon oils used according to the invention.

TABLE 1 Characteristics Oil A Oil B Aromatics (ppm) <20 <20 Sulphur (ppm) 0.1 0.11 % iso paraffins (w/w) 98.9 96.2 % n-paraffins (w/w) 1.1 3.8 % naphthenics (w/w) 0 0 C13 (iso) 0.66 0 C14 (iso) 4.15 0 C15 (iso) 48.35 0 C16 (iso) 42.80 1.58 C17 (iso) 2.52 14.17 C18 (iso) 0.38 79.69 C19 (iso) 0 0.12 C20 (iso) 0 0.38 C27 (iso) 0 0.29 Quantity of carbons of biological origin (%) 97 98 Initial boiling point (° C.) 247.0 293.6 Boiling point 5% (° C.) 255.7 296.7 Boiling point 50% (° C.) 258.9 298.5 Boiling point 95% (° C.) 266.8 305.3 Final boiling point (° C.) 269.0 324.1 OECD biodegradability (28 days) (%) 80 83 Refractive index at 20° C. 1.4336 1.4394 Density at 15° C. (kg/m³) 776.4 787.2 Flash point (° C.) 115 149 Kinematic Viscosity at 40° C. (cSt) 2.49 3.87 Vapour pressure at 20° C. (kPa) <0.01 <0.01 Aniline point (° C.) 93.2 99.5

The following standards and methods were used to measure the properties hereinabove:

-   -   flash point: EN ISO 2719     -   density at 15° C.: EN ISO 1185     -   viscosity at 40° C.: EN ISO 3104     -   aniline point: EN ISO 2977     -   boiling point: ASTM D86     -   biodegradability: OECD method 306     -   refractive index at 20° C.: ASTM D 1218     -   vapour pressure: calculated according to methods well known to         those skilled in the art         Tests on the Cellular Effects         Preparation of the Tests:     -   Preparation of the microplates: 24 hours before the incubation         with the oils A and B, the HaCaT cells are inoculated with a         cell density of 100,000 cells/ml in 96-well microplates         (Corning). The microplates are then placed in the incubator at         37° C. In a microplate, each condition was tested at least three         times. Each experiment was carried out at least three times         independently in order to validate the reproducibility of the         results and to carry out statistical analyses.     -   Incubation of cells with the oils A or B: two durations of         incubation were selected for the products to be tested pure: an         incubation for fifteen minutes and an incubation for one hour.         After these incubation times, the microplates are emptied, the         cells are rinsed and incubated for 24 hours with the culture         medium DMEM (Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium) enriched with         10% of FBS (Foetal Bovine Serum) containing 1% by weight of         glutamine and 0.5% by weight of antibiotics.         Analysis

The cellular effects are evaluated directly on the adherent living cells by cytofluorimetric microtitration (MiFALC tests-Microtitration Fluorimetric Assays on Live Cells). The microplate reader used in the study is the Safire cytometer (Tecan).

Evaluation of the Oxidative Stress:

The oxidative stress corresponds to an imbalance between oxidising species (mainly reactive oxygen species) and antioxidant defence mechanisms. This imbalance leads to deleterious effects of the inflammation, cell degeneration, etc. type.

The test H2DCF-DA (2′, 7′-dihydrodichlorofluoresceine diacetate) is used in order to evaluate the production of reactive oxygen species. This fluorogenic molecule enters into the cells via passive diffusion and accumulates in the cytosol where it will be hydrolysed by the cellular esterases. In the presence of reactive oxygen species, the product formed can be oxidised into a fluorescent derivative. Thus, an increase in the intensity of fluorescence is combined with an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and by extrapolation with an increase in the oxidative stress in the cells studied.

The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) expressed as a percentage relative to the culture medium (CM) is indicated in table 2 hereinbelow.

TABLE 2 Production of reactive oxygen species (% relative to the CM) CM Oil A Oil B Production of Incubation 15 min H2DCF-DA 100 84* 88 ROS Incubation 1 h H2DCF-DA 100 73* 100 *p < 0.05; **p < 0.01.

As shown in table 2, the hydrocarbon oils defined in the present invention do not induce any overproduction of reactive oxygen species whatsoever after 15 minutes or after 1 hour. The oils A and B reduce the production of reactive oxygen species relative to the control culture medium.

Thus, the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention can be used as an antioxidant agent.

Preservatives, used as an additive in pharmaceutical compositions, were evaluated. The preservatives evaluated are phenoxyethanol (POE) and methylisothiazolinone (MIT).

For this test, the HaCat cells are incubated with the oils A or B (for example for 15 minutes for the test with POE) then with the preservative POE or MIT (for example for 30 minutes with a solution of phenoxyethanol at 250 μg/mL).

The production of ROS is indicated in table 2bis hereinbelow.

TABLE 2BIS Production of reactive oxygen species (% relative to the CM) CM + Oil A + Oil B + Oil A + Oil B + CM POE POE POE MIT MIT MIT Production 100 132 79 85 135 67 88 of ROS

As shown in table 2bis, the oils A and B used according to the present invention decrease the production of reactive oxygen species in the presence of a preservative, which tends to increase the production of ROS.

Evaluation of the Cellular Anti-Degeneration

Evaluation of the Condensation of the Chromatin:

For this test, the HaCat cells are incubated for one hour with the oils A or B or with the olive oil then for 20 minutes with the benzalkonium chloride (BAC), present in a content of 8 ppm by weight. The HOECHST 33342 test is carried out in order to evaluate the condensation of the chromatin.

The benzalkonium chloride generates a phenomenon of apoptosis (programmed cell death). Olive oil (00) is an oil known for the cellular protection against benzalkonium chloride.

The measurement of the condensation of the chromatin expressed as a percentage relative to the culture medium (CM) is indicated in table 3 hereinbelow.

TABLE 3 Measurement of the condensation of the chromatin (% relative to the CM) CM + OO + Oil Oil A + Oil Oil B + CM BAC OO BAC A BAC B BAC Measure- 100 138*** 96 112 91 100 86 94 ment ***p < 0.001

As shown in table 3, the oil A and B has an anti-apoptotic effect. Furthermore, it can be noted that the apoptotic effect of the benzalkonium chloride is greatly reduced in the presence of the hydrocarbon oil A or B, with this reduction being much greater than that obtained with olive oil.

Evaluation of the Activation of the Receptor P2X7:

The P2X7 receptors, present in many tissues, including the skin, are involved in the phenomena of inflammation and of cell death, in particular by apoptosis.

The test YO-PRO-I makes it possible to evaluate the activation of the P2X7 receptors. This fluorescent sensor enters into the cells only if the membrane permeability has been modified via the activation of the P2X7 receptors (opening of membrane pores). The sensor used can then be fixed onto the DNA and emit a fluorescence. The more substantial the activation of the P2X7 is, the higher the intensity of the fluorescence is.

The activation of the P2X7 expressed as a percentage relative to the culture medium (CM) is indicated in table 4.

TABLE 4 Activation of the P2X7 (% relative to the CM) CM Oil B Activation of the P2X7 Incubation 15 min YO-PR0-1 100 109 Incubation 1 h YO-PR0-1 100  135* *p < 0.05

As shown in table 4, the hydrocarbon oil B according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the activation of the P2X7 receptor.

Thus, the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention has an anti-apoptotic effect, which blocks the phenomenon of cell death.

Thus, the hydrocarbon oil defined in the present invention can for example be used as an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory agent. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for the treatment of skin diseases and/or wound healing disorders comprising administering a hydrocarbon oil as an antioxidant and/or anti-radical agent and/or anti-inflammatory agent and/or anti-apoptotic, the hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.
 2. The method according to claim 1, comprising a topical administration.
 3. The method according to claim 1, comprising a systemic administration.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 95% to 100% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is chosen from among non-cyclic isoparaffins comprising from 14 to 18 carbon atoms.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight of normal paraffins less than or equal to 5% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil; and/or the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight of naphthenic compounds less than or equal to 1%, relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil; and/or the hydrocarbon oil comprises a content by weight of aromatic compounds less than or equal to 500 ppm relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: the hydrocarbon oil has a boiling temperature ranging from 230 to 340° C., according to the standard ASTM D86; and/or the hydrocarbon oil has a flash point greater than or equal to 110° C. according to the standard EN ISO 2719; and/or the hydrocarbon oil has a vapour pressure at 20° C. less than or equal to 0.01 kPa.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is obtained by a method of catalytic hydrogenation at a temperature from 80 to 180° C. and at a pressure from 50 to 160 bars of a deoxygenated and/or isomerised feedstock of biological origin.
 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least the hydrocarbon oil.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises at least one fatty substance chosen from among: vegetable oils, hydrocarbon oils other than said hydrocarbon oil, vegetable butters, fatty alcohols and ethers, oily esters, alkanes and silicone oils and/or at least one additive.
 11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is an anhydrous composition, an emulsion such as a water-in-oil emulsion (W/O), an oil-in-water emulsion (O/W) or a multiple emulsion, a nano-emulsion, or a dispersion or a gel.
 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is administered in the form of a medical food comprising at least the hydrocarbon oil.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is administered in combination with a compound chosen from among quaternary ammoniums, aromatic alcohols and isothiazolinones.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the compound is chosen from among quaternary ammoniums.
 15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the compound represents from 0.1 ppm to 40% by weight of the administered composition.
 16. The method according to claim 1, for the treatment of skin diseases selected from psoriasis, corns and warts, acne, seborrheic disorders, herpes, mycoses, eczema, shingles.
 17. The method according to claim 9, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is administered in the form of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least the hydrocarbon oil, in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 80% by weight relative to the total weight of the pharmaceutical composition.
 18. The method according to claim 12, wherein the hydrocarbon oil is administered in the form of a medical food comprising at least the hydrocarbon oil in a quantity ranging from 0.5 to 80% by weight relative to the total weight of the medical food.
 19. A method for the treatment of skin diseases and/or wound healing disorders comprising administering a hydrocarbon oil as a drug, the hydrocarbon oil comprising a content by weight of isoparaffins ranging from 90 to 100%, a content by weight of normal paraffins ranging from 0 to 10% and having a content of carbon of biological origin greater than or equal to 90% relative to the total weight of the hydrocarbon oil, wherein the hydrocarbon oil has a biodegradability at 28 days of at least 60%. 